I believe in shapewear. And nobody (haha, literally) does it like Bali. I had the pleasure of meeting them at the Blogalicous Conference last Fall. I also met the fabulous June Ambrose who represented them. After getting fitted, I had the opportunity to test drive a pair of their firm control leggings.

Hit the jump to see how successful or unsuccessful I was in that department.

Welcome to another post from the Sista Show Off series! In this series I like to show some love to other companies, blogs, businesses, organizations or just regular ladies like myself who are paving the way for women everywhere! Let me feature you! Shoot me an email at Brittany@ClumpsOfMascara.com.

Can you imagine NOT shopping? I mean…for a complete year not purchasing an article of clothing, accessory OR purse? Have you fainted out of sheer horror yet? My girl Kelli over at Stop Shop is doing it. Hit the jump to read her story.

The world renowned Raleigh Hotel in South Beach, Florida is most known for its beautiful pool. I’ve never seen anything like it. Despite Miami being my birthplace, I pretty much get an F for not knowing a lot of what Miami-Dade county has to offer. Locals generally stay away from the South Beach area so I always feel as if I’m transported to another city when I head down Collins Ave.

It’s no big deal for my New York bloggers, but this Florida blogger has never been backstage at any Mercedes-Benz fashion show. Which believe it or not, is a bit of a faux pas for a 3-year old beauty or fashion blogger. Needless to say, I was geeked up! I grabbed my assistant Nikki New and off we went to the beautiful Raleigh Hotel in South Beach.

Ahhh….the Cabana Grande where all of the action happens.

I won’t tell y’all how I accidentally went through the Designer’s Check-In. I’ll save that story for another day. Ha!

We made it backstage for Mara Hoffman only to be thrown into the hustle and bustle of hairstylists, models, make-up artists, the designer team and fellow members of the press.

I tweeted away while Nikki New snapped shots of the models getting all dolled up.

I stole a peek at some of the products that the make-up artists were using.

See any of your favorites?

Lovin’ the messy fishbone braids.

And before we knew it, the models had to line up for the pre-walk .

The proud designer watching her work…

It must be amazing to see your vision and drawings come to live like that. We actually missed the official runway walk because of we were watching another show. Check out the pieces here. Mara Hoffman’s Native American, Indian, African and island inspirations blow my mind. Stay tuned! I’ve got a lot more for you from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim.

I’m not much of a shopper. I know, I know…it just doesn’t seem right but I’ve never liked going from store to store for many hours at time. I usually only go when I NEED something and even then, I’m out within an hour. I blame my Mom for spending hours in department stores when I was younger. I swear I spent half of my before I could drive life in Sears and Dillard’s.

And even when I do go shopping, I make a bee-line to the clearance racks. Virtually everything I buy is on sale!

When I was in D.C. I copped this oversized shirt.

It wasn’t even on sale. That never happens! And the other day, I got the cutest wedges at Target for $9!

Oh yes…they’re cute and comfortable; a must have for a size 10 flat footed sista like myself.

But I’m a wee bit lost when it comes to shopping for other outfits for summer. I’ve got several maxi dresses, bermuda shorts and tanks but I really want to step my game up in the fashion department. I have to dress professionally during the week but on the weekends I want to look hot!!

Is this thing on? Helllllooo out there! I’m Channing, a freelance fashion and beauty journalist. I recently started writing my own blog, Channing in the City.

Brittany was nice enough to share her lovely readers with me because it would be nice for someone to actually read my posts for once. Hehe!

Anywhoo, onward with the post. Are you looking to update your look for spring? Allow me to be of some assistance.

I think everyone deserves to be fabulous and fashionable without breaking the bank. So if you are just looking to add a few trendy pieces to a wardrobe or even starting from scratch, here are a few major trends (for cheap!) that will march you into the right direction.

SEQUINtial Order

Think sequins are only appropriate for night? Not anymore! Don’t be afraid to shine in the daytime as well.

Big BANGles

Think of bangles like last season’s signature chunky necklaces, the bigger the better! Pile them on.

The hot new look for lips and tips this spring? Peach! Bold or light, this shade is universally flattering.

AT EASE!

With military inspired looks of course. Pair a structured military jacket with a ruffle-y dress for a utilitarian look with a feminine touch.

If I Were A Boy…

No need to wonder, just don a boy’s blazer! The boyfriend blazer trend is marching into spring and summer.

Pick Your Platform

Clog, that is! Platform shoes are back in a major way. The can be worn with wide leg jeans just as easily as a dress.

B Says: I love Channing! Y’all know I’m no fashionista (I be tryin’ though…lol) so it helps to have fashion-savvy ladies just a click away. Want to write a guest post for Clumps? Email me at Brittany@ClumpsOfMascara.com for consideration.

Lady Ashunta is quickly becoming one of my favorite make-up artists in the game. Here’s what she created for LaQuan Smith!

“The look for LaQuan Smith’s Fall 2010 collection was exciting because it was his debut to the fashion world after such huge buzz for the last few years. We wanted to make it special and LaQuan’s concept of water and sand inspired the sun glow goddess look we created using COVERGIRL and COVERGIRL Queen Collection. I applied COVERGIRL Smoky ShadowBlast in Bronze Fire on the lids and completed the eye look with a few coats of COVERGIRL LashBlast Length Mascara and Urban Decay glitter eye liner in the corner of the eye. To make the lips pop with brilliance, I mixed COVERGIRL ShineBlast Lip Gloss in Flare with MAC Gold pigment. COVERGIRL Queen Collection Natural Hue Minerals Bronzer was the driving force to give glowing radiant skin.”

I have still yet to actually attend any real deal New York fashion shows…a complete faux pas for the seasoned beauty or fashion blogger. Every season I endure an influx of blog posts, articles and features all done by those who have been so fortunate to attend the NYFW festivities.

Sometimes I cry silently as I click here and there, being mesmerized by the models and the designers’ pieces.

You see, I cry for many reasons, fam. I cry for not being an attendee at these shows AND I cry for the lack of brown girls on the runway. The latter is just down right annoying. Flipping through Essence’s History of Black Models slideshow made me feel a little better though. My favorite?

Um, yes!! You better work it Chanel, Sessilee, Jourdan and Arlenis. The pulled back hair, loud lips and beautiful expressions? Loves. It! I hope that we see more diversity this time around. In the meantime, view Essence’s slideshow here. I didn’t know there were so many popular Black runway models. That Kiara Kubukuru was absolutely stunning!

6 days agoby clumpsofmascaraBeen tackling my hurr these days. Which is a big deal because I'm usually pretty lazy. Test drove some @LovinMyTextures products and yessss, I LOVE them! Check out my review. It's in the bio. Much love to @lovettehair for my tri-color situation. ❤️

3 days agoby clumpsofmascaraGood morning, risk takers! Today I'm doing something incredibly challenging and scary. I make it a habit to push myself to the limit often. You should, too. Come on. DO IT NOW!!

5 days agoby clumpsofmascaraMy coworker goes, "I haven't bought a lipstick in a year." Oh no!!! She must not know 'bout me. Tomorrow is National Lipstick Day and I've got to get her prepared! Packing her a nice goody bag of lipsticks. I'm the same way if you visit my house. NO ONE leaves empty-handed. Beauty goodies for all!

4 days agoby clumpsofmascaraSome of y'all have your coffee and then crazy folx like me blend up spinach, an apple and an entire lemon to drink. Had one kid in my stomach craving it and a kid on the outside steal half. Righteous.

19 hours agoby clumpsofmascara#iRepost@occmakeup : "Introducing our first look at #LipTarRTW , launching on August 14th! Left to right: Vintage, Black Metal Dahlia, Lydia, Anime & Rx! Stay tuned as we reveal the next 5 shades next week!" --- Soooo, makeup and OCC Lip Tar fans, what do we think about this new packaging? I'm kinda excited about it!

24 hours agoby clumpsofmascaraHomemade pasta with seafood bits. A bit salty but ohmigoodness, what a hearty and delicious stew-like bowl of flavors in Winter Park.

4 days agoby clumpsofmascaraSome say red lipstick isn't professional. Oh. Really? I'll make my own rules and still get the job done.

2 days agoby clumpsofmascaraI neeeed time to myself. Marriage and parenthood did not change this. Every morning, I wake up earlier than everyone else. And just be. No demands. No rushing. I do what I want. I sip my tea and pray and read and polish my nails. Or I do nothing. It does SO much for my sanity and peace. Mamas and daddies, give it a try. - [NOTE] This likely doesn't work with newborns. Those tiny humans own every fiber of your being. Happy Friday!

1 week agoby clumpsofmascaraScooped up some new head wraps from @thewraplife . In loooooove with these prints. Can't wait to chop them for mommy & daughter twin wraps.

5 days agoby clumpsofmascaraNail polishing in a parking lot. Look. Gotta pamper when and where you can.